My name is Anissa DeLauri, and I’m running for state Senate. Over the next few months, I will be submitting letters to the editor highlighting issues I feel strongly about.

Today’s topic is the Department for Children and Families. I have been a child-care provider for 19 years. I am a protective services provider and have had several children in my program that were in DCF custody. The case managers I have met over the years are not the evil people that they have been made out to be by the media. They work long hours, have huge caseloads, and try their best to do what is right for the child.

Unfortunately, in some cases, the way the rules are set up they have to do things they know in their heart are not the best thing for the child. They have to stay within the guidelines and rules set forth by the state on how these cases will be handled. What needs to change is the communication between departments, the caseloads and the protocols they have to follow.

This is one topic that will generate lots of emotions on both sides. The one thing that has to be first on everyone’s list is the child’s well-being. The child should always come first.